I worked weekend overnights at a radio station a few years ago. I had another job during the week during regular hours, so the adjustment was always tough for me, but then again, the weekend job didn't require much activity, which I think was part of the problem. If you are constantly moving/busy, then you don't have time to think about how tired you are.

I'm working the same shift as you right now, at first it was weird since I was working another job during the day, but since I'm now only solely working the night shift it probably took about a week or two to get used to it. The only thing that kinda sucks is getting used to a new eating schedule but that eventually works itself out too.

I worked a night shift back in Oct 2011. I think I even made a thread similar to this one, actually.
Anyway, I got through the boring hours by bringing a laptop with Internet accessibility with me.
Sometimes I would fall asleep in my car, too.

As for getting used to the schedule, your body might eventually get accustomed to it, but that wasn't the case for me. I worked from 6 pm to 6 am for several weeks, up until about Nov. I would get home, crash, & wake up a couple hours later.
The longest time I ever got to sleep during that work shift was from ~8 am to 12 pm. So just a little less than 4 hours. I started getting terrible looking bags under my eyes that still haven't fully gone away yet!
Try to get as much sleep as you can, man. It didn't work for me--- hence the reason I switched to the day shift after that--- but it might for you. Idk.
Good luck.
Try not to drink energy drinks. They'll keep you awake for a few hours but then make you crash terribly later. I was barely able to keep my eyes open!

At my first job ever I worked 4:30PM to 2:30AM. I did that for a year and a half and couldn't' handle it anymore, it beat me up. Then a few years later I worked at Target for literally two weeks 11PM to 7AM and I walked out in the middle of work. I don't know what I was thinking accepting a 3rd shift job when I knew I hated it. Now I work 10AM to 6PM and 9AM to 5PM on the weekends and wouldn't trade it for the world!

I think I would kill myself living your guys's life styles..Not only the night time shift work hours but also the longetivity working week days and week ends. I know you needa pay for bills, food, etc but u gotta remember...u only got 1 life. Only having time for working, school and sleeping=shit life.